Mountain Lion OS 10.8 Roars to Life

Mountain Lion OS 10.8 Roars to Life

Apple shuffles the deck again with its newest operating system, Mountain Lion 10.8. Unlike the subtle changes we’ve seen between several systems, this one promises to make some massive and noticeable upheavals, particularly for users with iPads or iPhones. OS 10.8 promises to streamline relationships between the computer and devices, offering many changes iOS users will recognize and adore. All in all, we’re talking a pretty serious evolution.

iCloud Integration

When OS 10.7 was born, iCloud was still on the storyboards, so full integration did not exist. Even updates to the 10.7 system have yet to fully use this new method of file storage. OS 10.8 embraces it offering file storage to save to iCloud as easily as dragging and dropping. Instantly access it from your iPad or iPhone. Edits made to that document on any one device changes it on all devices instantly, so there’s no shuffling versions. OS 10.8 does the same for Contacts, Mail, Calendars, Messages and Notes. That’s a happy day for the 100 million (and growing) iCloud users out there.

Magnificent Multimedia on AirPlay Mirroring

Apple has long remained the king of multimedia through innovation, and Mountain Lion OS 10.8 takes that innovation to the airwaves with AirPlay Mirroring. It syncs up and mirrors any Apple TV device, automatically adjusts resolution, and blares the image in crisp 720p, whether watching a sitcom or playing on the Game Center. Game Center allows users to enjoy social gaming between multiple devices, so stepping away from your iPhone does not mean lingering between turns on Words with Friends. Receive notifications, chat or keep a tally on the leaderboards on your Mac. Now your Apple computer is a fully-streamed game and media outlet, without tarnishing your Mac’s internal memory.

Non-Stop Notes from iOS

One of the more popular apps in the iOS system, Notes originally resided in Email, but 10.8 upgrades it to its own program, accessible right from your desktop. To-do lists and scheduling all stay within a click’s reach. Changing on one device changes it on all, so there’s no shuffling through versions. For those of us that suffer from weak organizational skills, this cross-platform version of Notes is a Mac miracle. Those wanting only the little reminders, OS 10.8 now features an app called…uh, Reminders (born from iOS). Mac pumped it up so it works with other calendar services (such as Google and Yahoo) and syncs across all devices. For those with Android phones, this means never staying out of the loop with scheduling, even when syncing between competing platforms. An altruistic gesture by Apple.

Gatekeeper Guardian for Macs

Apple once touted its virtually impervious virus protection, but some virus-mongers saw this as a dare and pushed some serious malware Mac’s way. OS 10.8 pushes back with its Gatekeeper protection utility. This provides a serious and safe filter to running apps on several settings, ensuring that your pride and joy doesn’t foster any insidious apps. It checks individual apps and only hosts those purchased at the Mac App Store or with an Apple developer’s signature, ensuring smooth running. This is not a case of Big Brother watching you in 10.8, because users can adjust and lower restrictions to run any app, regardless of signature or origin. It’s an additional and virtually impassable hurdle for that want to harm your darling Apple…but only if you wish to use it.

Mountain Lion OS 10.8 offers more than this with its introduction. Security, multimedia, inception and inclusion of exciting apps and even international streamlining make it one of the most potentially useful updates to the OS library, especially for those with ancillary devices. Since it’s in a final development stage, Apple users can expect more improvements before its public release this summer. From what we’ve seen so far, Mountain Lion OS 10.8 looks like a good investment for any Mac fans.